Program Manager , Learning & Development

Program Manager , Learning & Development

Temporary 50000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Rakuten Ssi

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and manage exciting learning and development programmes in a dynamic environment.
  • Company: Join Rakuten International, a global tech leader with a vibrant culture.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, potential for permanent role, and a chance to make an impact.
  • Other info: Fast-paced role with opportunities for growth and collaboration across global teams.
  • Why this job: Be part of an award-winning team and enhance your project management skills.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in programme management, especially in Learning & Development.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.

London/Brighton 6-month contract. Rakuten International is a division of Rakuten Group, Inc., a Japanese global technology leader in services that empower individuals, communities, businesses and society. Headquartered in San Mateo, California with more than 4,000 employees worldwide, the Rakuten International business portfolio includes market leaders in e-commerce, digital marketing, advertising, communications and entertainment. We create products and services that provide exceptional value by aligning members and the businesses that want to engage them in a shared community.

We are seeking an experienced Program Manager to join our Global Talent Management and Inclusion team to support Learning and Leadership Development. This hands‑on, 6‑month contract role focuses on the end‑to‑end delivery of leadership and professional development programmes within a fast‑paced, matrixed environment. You will play a pivotal role in driving execution, coordinating stakeholders, and improving the learner experience while working closely with global teams. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to an award‑winning team and potentially transition into a permanent role based on performance and business needs.

Key Responsibilities
  • Manage the end‑to‑end delivery of leadership and L&D programmes, ensuring all timelines and dependencies remain on track.
  • Oversee operational logistics, including scheduling, coordination of vendors, management of systems, and communications.
  • Partner effectively with HR, business stakeholders, and external providers to maintain project momentum and resolve issues.
  • Collaborate with content owners to ensure all programme materials are practical, engaging, and deliverable.
  • Maintain high quality standards across all programmes while tracking participation, feedback, and key performance metrics.
  • Identify and implement process improvements to strengthen delivery efficiency and the overall learner experience.
Minimum Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • 5+ years of professional experience in programme management within Learning & Development and/or Leadership Development.
  • Strong project management skills, including proficiency in planning, dependency management, and risk tracking.
  • Proven experience delivering programmes within a complex, matrixed organisational structure.
  • Hands‑on experience with leadership development programmes, such as cohort‑based learning, workshops, and blended solutions.
  • Exceptional organisational skills and attention to detail, with a demonstrated track record of follow‑through.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage diverse stakeholders and external vendor relationships.
  • Proficiency in working with data, reporting, and maintaining clear, professional communication.
Qualification Requirements
  • 5+ years in Program Management (L&D/Leadership Development).
  • Experience in a matrixed organisation.
  • Experience in a technology or digital organisation (preferred).
Five Principles for Success
  • Always improve, Always Advance
  • Only be satisfied with complete success
  • Kaizen Passionately Professional
  • Hypothesize – Practice – Validate – Shikumika – Use the Rakuten Cycle to succeed in unknown territory
  • Maximize Customer Satisfaction – The greatest satisfaction for our teams is seeing their customers smile
  • Speed!! Speed!! Speed!! – Always be conscious of time – take charge, set clear goals, and engage your team

Program Manager , Learning & Development employer: Rakuten Ssi

Rakuten International is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company offers numerous opportunities for professional development within a global network, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in Learning and Development. Located in vibrant London/Brighton, employees benefit from a supportive environment that values diversity and encourages continuous improvement, ensuring a rewarding career journey.

Rakuten Ssi

Contact Details:

Rakuten Ssi Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Program Manager , Learning & Development

Get Involved in Local Edu-Tech Meetups

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Volunteer for Online Educational Events

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Leverage Social Media Groups

Join social media groups focused on digital education, like Facebook or LinkedIn groups. These communities often share job postings for temporary roles and can help us connect with current members at Rakuten Ssi who can potentially put in a good word for you.

Make Your Passion for Teaching Visible

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We think you need these skills to ace Program Manager , Learning & Development

Programme Management
Learning & Development
Leadership Development
Project Management
Planning
Dependency Management
Risk Tracking

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Digital Skills:In the digital learning and education sector, it's crucial to highlight your tech-savviness. Make sure your CV includes any experience with e-learning platforms, digital content creation, or learning management systems. This tech flair helps us see you're ready to thrive in our digital landscape at Rakuten Ssi.

Let Your Passion Shine Through:For a temporary role, we want to know why you’re excited about digital learning! Your cover letter should reflect your enthusiasm for education technologies. Talk about any projects or initiatives you’ve been part of that showcase your passion. This gives us insight into how you can contribute to our team, even for a short stint.

Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any certifications related to digital education—like teaching online or instructional design—make sure you highlight those in your application. They can really set you apart from other candidates and show us you're knowledgeable and committed to the field.

Tailor Your Portfolio:If you’ve created any digital learning materials, this is the perfect time to showcase them! We love seeing examples of your work, so include a link to your portfolio that features your best creations relevant to the temporary role at Rakuten Ssi. This hands-on evidence can speak volumes about your creative capabilities!

How to prepare for a job interview at Rakuten Ssi

Show Off Your Creativity in Digital Learning

When preparing for your interview with Rakuten Ssi, think about how you can showcase your creative approaches to digital learning. Bring along examples of projects or modules you've designed, especially those that highlight your ability to engage students remotely. It’ll help demonstrate your hands-on experience, which is essential for this role.

Know Your EdTech Tools

Get familiar with the latest in educational technology tools that are popular in the digital-learning field, like learning management systems and online assessment platforms. Being able to chat fluently about tools such as Moodle or Google Classroom during your interview could give you a real edge and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.

Flexibility is Key for Temporary Roles

Since this role with Rakuten Ssi is temporary, it’s super important to convey your flexibility and adaptability during the interview. Be ready to discuss how you can quickly acclimate to new environments and seamlessly integrate into existing teams. It shows you’re a team player and can handle the ebb and flow of temporary work.

Demonstrate Passion for Lifelong Learning

In the digital learning space, showing a passion for education and personal development can really set you apart. Be prepared to chat about how you stay current with trends in digital education and any extra courses or resources you’ve explored. It’ll highlight your motivation and potential value to Rakuten Ssi as they seek to innovate in their teaching approaches.